As the sun set slowly, the western sky was illuminated in an orange glow. Despite its harsh living conditions, it was said that the most beautiful sunset could be observed from Cindrvale. That was in the past, though.
Now, Cindervale is developed to the point that it could be called a fortress. Adrian's unique thinking and knowledge of the otherworld, along with his leadership, developed Cindervale into a utopia. Abundant food and resources, lack of conflict within, and proper hygiene thanks to unique sanitary methods made Cindervale a paradise for its citizens and a honey-dripping pot for outsiders.
Children would go to bed with full bellies, and their laughter could be heard in every corner. But the most significant part was technological advancement. Cindervale is armed with cannons and almost unbreakable walls, and flying vessels could be seen in transportation and delivery, and architecture was out of this world, literally. Cindevale functioned with newly invented artifacts that improved every day.
But there was one scene that never changed. A young man with blond hair and piercing red eyes could be seen sitting on the top of the fortress walls, staring at the sunset.
"My lord, are you wasting your time again? Jonathan is looking for you."
Seris said as she made her way towards him. He turned towards her, his red eyes complementing the shade of the sky.
"Sunset is beautiful today, Seris. let me stay here a bit more. You have to appreciate beautiful things in life."
Seris sighed.
"It's the same sunset we see every day, ever since we were born. Everyone in this world sees it every day, Theo. What's so special about it?"
He did not reply and looked at the sword in her scabbard.
"Looks like you like the new sword. I designed it so that you can use it to harness the power of your bloodline properly. How is it?"
She smiled.
"It's perfect. It's even more precious since it's your previous weapon."
He waved his hand.
"Despite what others expect from a knight, it's different for me. You are my precious comrade. What's mine is yours."
He stood up and brushed off the dirt.
Seirs scoffed.
"No matter how much you try to butter me up, I'm not doing the administrative work. That's your job."
"Tsk"
Then he gave a tired laugh.
"Theo, you changed all of our lives for the better. You gave us a home. Something to fight for. All of us will stand by your side, no matter what. I will always be your sword."
Seris said while raising both her arms to her heart and smiling.
"You can't get rid of me that easily."
...................................................
I remember every single day Adrian lived like me. Among all the people he chose, Seris was the most trusted of them all. Next was probably Jonathan. She left before the duel with Thalia, leaving behind a letter apologizing. A few days after the duel with Thalia Cindervale fell. That's where things get interesting.
Rumors are that a dungeon break occurred, but that's bullshit. The alliance between us and the red apes was meant to last a lifetime. That's the first thing Adrian made sure of. And it's impossible to take down the fortress from the outside without drawing attention.
That leaves only one method. There were 8 different evacuation tunnels in Cindervale. Adrian's closest followers knew some of them. But Seris? She knew of the 7 tunnels. And she was the only one Adrian did not suspect.
I can see it in her eyes. The guilt. I don't know how Reyna turned her. Did she promise revenge? Location of the rest of her clan? Or perhaps the restoration of the Caelstrom family? Maybe she told Seris that Adrian knew who was responsible for the Caelstrom massacre, but did not tell.
Whatever it was, I have no intention of justifying her actions. A lot of people died when Cindervale fell. People whom she swore to protect. And I have no intention of ever letting someone else become my sword.
"Theo-"
"Actually, it's prince. Prince Theon of the Ignisborn kingdom. Or have you forgotten who I am? Praetor of the 7th legion?"
I cut her off and held my hand.
"Hand me the decree."
I started reading through it. There were all sorts of justifications, such as providing supplies, medical assistance, and safety. Finally, it speaks of newly implemented imperial laws. One of them includes allowing the imperial legion to take over any city or town within the empire in times of emergency. If they had come here a few days ago with this, it would've been a different story. But now?
I looked Seris straight in the eye.
"It's true that the legion can take over in a case of an emergency. But look around. Can you see any emergency situation right now?"
"People of Vermaris are alive and well. We don't have any issues regarding supplies or manpower. There is no emergency situation for you to intervene in."
"And as for these new rules? There's also one stating that during a crisis, the imperial legion can temporarily be commanded by the successors of great clans. That means if you insist that this is a crisis situation, you will be under my jurisdiction."
"But you are not-"
I raised my hand and silenced her again. Reyna probably implemented that rule to appease the avatars. Since avatars are the successors of all the great clans. But the successor of the Ignisborn clan has not been chosen yet because of the mess Adrian and I have made until now.
"Ignisborn clan has not announced an official successor yet, as the eldest son, that title still belongs to me. And also, as I said before, mind your manners. You are just a praetor. I'm a prince."
There was silence for a while.
I handed the scroll back to her.
"If you are still insisting that this is a crisis and Vermaris needs the help of the Imperial legion, then you are free to take a look around. Look for this so-called crisis. But as the praetor, you must bear responsibility for the actions of your legion from this moment."
With that, I walked inside the mansion, leaving her behind. I could insist that they leave, but that would be considered an action against the royal family. It's true that I'm a prince, but if they drag this issue and try to involve the entire Inginsbron clan, things will get messy. I don't want to deal with them yet. But most importantly, I might as well use them to get my work done.
This is going to be fun. I thought while smirking.
As Theon was leaving, Seris's gaze was fixed on his back. He was starkly different from the person she knew. He still had that fearless gaze, but his kind smile was replaced with arrogance and pride, as royalty should be. He murmured something which she picked up thanks to her heightened senses.
"What's mine is yours."
"But it's mine."
"And soon I'll come to collect those debts."
Seris flinched. Just slightly. But enough.